Hopi Kachina Flat Sai Astasana (Zuni Rain Priest) Doll

Sai-astasana, meaning "Zuni Rain Priest of the North," is a benevolent Katsina who controls weather, ensures longevity for the people, and protects against enemies.  He is the Chief Father of all Katsinam and appears primarily in the Shalako Ceremony—a major winter solstice event at Zuni Pueblo involving massive masked dancers—to invoke rain and renewal.  The Hopi adopted this figure in the early 20th century, integrating him into their own Mixed Dances and Bean Dances on First Mesa, where he dances alongside other Zuni-origin Katsinam like Shulawitsi and Pautiwa.